Green and Blue Economies 2025 Report around Austral-Asia and the Pacific is a social and economic necessity to both reduce risks and invest in long-term prosperity with millions of new jobs.
ADB-UN REPORT In 2023, the Asia-Pacific region accounted for 60% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and in the previous year its material footprint made up nearly 59% of the global total. To deliver on the Paris agreement and Agenda 2030, countries need to integrate a just energy transition into their national climate action plans, or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and national development strategies.
Blue and Green economies are revolutionising work, education, technological advances, and social protection coverage across the region, the transition is expected to generate millions of new jobs. Developing the workforce capabilities for emerging green and blue sectors while strengthening social protection systems to support workers and communities through this transformation is essential.
The transition could create 180 million new and decent jobs by 2050 reducing environmental impacts.
Workforce disparities will shape the pace and inclusivity of the green and blue transition across Austral-Asia and the Pacific.
The potential for job creation will be concentrated in key sectors driving the green and blue transition, with renewable energy leading the way. The Asia-Pacific region’s renewable energy sector already supports 10.5 million jobs with upward potential. Rapid urban development is another opportunity for job growth, as cities prepare for a projected 350% jump in passenger transport demand by 2050, driving an expansion in green transportation infrastructure and services.
In the waste management sector, particularly in recycling, the demand for green jobs will also rise, as the region generates 800 million tonnes of waste, annually, some 40% of the global total.
Oceans and freshwater ecosystems are vitally important for the region socially, environmentally and economically. As such, the blue economy, a subset of green economy, requires specific attention. Sustainable fisheries are projected to grow rapidly, with the region’s fish farms anticipated to produce over 60% of global fish supplies by 2030.
The economic value of coastal tourism, particularly important for small island developing States, could double by 2030, bolstered by an increase in sustainable practices.
Notwithstanding this, the economic transformation comes with significant risks and challenges. The phase-out of non-renewable energy sectors will require around millions of coal industry workers to reskill. Moreover, moving towards sustainable or smart agriculture could put 13 million of the region’s agricultural workforce at risk by 2030.
These impacts disproportionately affect disadvantaged groups, including women and informal workers, who often lack access to state support or other safety nets.
These uneven risks and impacts need to be addressed if the transition to green and blue economies is to be just, that is, as fair and inclusive as possible, creating opportunities for decent work and leaving no one behind.
The report outlines five key enablers for a just transition:
First, policy development, coherence, and coordination are essential for embedding just transition policies in national climate action plans and ensuring cross-sector collaboration.
Second, digitalization and technological innovation can enhance workforce development and service delivery, but equitable access requires bridging digital divides.
Third, financing is crucial, with governments, multilateral banks, and private capital playing key roles in funding the transition.
Fourth, strong social dialogue and international cooperation are necessary for inclusive decision-making and tailored support.
Fifth, overcoming biased social norms is vital for gender equality, requiring targeted interventions in skills development, leadership, and resource access, with measurable progress indicators.
Read the 92 Page Full Asia Development Bank and United Nations Report here+
